![\"Senior](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/retired-happy-senior-couple-greece_iStock-847111224.jpg\")
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\n AleksandarNakic \/ iStock.com <\/p>\n
Commitment to Our Readers<\/p>\n
GOBankingRates’ editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services – our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines<\/a> and our products and services review methodology<\/a>.<\/p>\n 20 Years Trusted by If you\u2019re a couple in your early fifties and are still working, you may have climbed the career ladder, established equity in a home and earn a six-figure income. On paper, you look solid.<\/p>\n However, as you both get closer to age 62, you may wonder how your net worth<\/a> stacks up to everyone else. When the paychecks stop, will you and your spouse still be members of the middle class? <\/p>\n Here\u2019s the minimum net worth of middle-class couples nearing retirement<\/a>.<\/p>\n Three Tiers of the Middle Class<\/p>\n Net worth within an economic class is defined by percentiles, according to the Federal Reserve<\/a>. There are three levels of the middle class: lower middle, solid middle and upper middle.\u00a0<\/p>\n Lower Middle Class<\/p>\n The lower middle class includes<\/a> households with a net worth between $69,500 and $394,300 in retirement. This puts the minimum net worth of lower-middle-class households at about $70,000 per year. This group lands at the 50th percentile. Retirees in this class typically live on tight budgets.<\/p>\n Solid Middle Class<\/p>\n The solid middle class ranges from $394,300 to $1.16 million, placing them between the 50th and 75th percentiles. The minimum net worth for couples in this class tier falls just under $400,000 annually. People in this group have invested enough time working to earn Social Security and may have contributed to retirement savings.<\/p>\n Upper Middle Class<\/p>\n Upper-middle-class couples have a household net worth between $1.2 million and $2.9 million. If you and your spouse are in this group, you can likely live a comfortable retirement<\/a>. However, it\u2019s essential not to let a life of luxury eat up your savings \u2014 especially if you hit the minimum net worth of $1.2 million. With rising healthcare costs and inflation, a million dollars doesn\u2019t stretch as far as it used to.<\/p>\n Increase Your Net Worth Approaching Retirement\u00a0<\/p>\n There are some ways to improve your finances as retirement nears.<\/p>\n Pay off your mortgage: Paying down your mortgage now will reduce your debt, increase your net worth later and free up cash flow to invest. Start Living Like a Retiree Now<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon-20.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
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Millions of Readers<\/p>\n
\nInvest in rental income property: Consider buying a rental property or adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to your property you can rent out. This will produce steady monthly income in retirement and increase your net worth.
\nMax out your 401(k) account: If you haven\u2019t contributed the maximum, especially with an employer match, doing so can increase your retirement savings<\/a>.
\nHealth savings account: If you pay a high insurance deductible, consider opening a health savings account (HSA). This will allow you to use untaxed savings to pay for medical expenses, such as copays and coinsurance, and lower your out-of-pocket healthcare costs with no tax penalty.\u00a0<\/p>\n